Dr. Arvind Kumar*
An ageing population is a considerable demographic change that alters the face of societies worldwide. Identified by increased life expectancy and low birth rates, this demographic change poses both challenges and opportunities, thereby making it crucial for policymakers, economists, and social planners to understand the very implications of an ageing population in trying to navigate the complex challenges of this demographic transition. Between 1974 and 2024, the worldwide share of people aged 65 almost doubled – increasing from 5.5 per cent to 10.3 per cent. Between 2024 and 2074, this number will double again, increasing to 20.7 per cent, according to United Nations population projections. During the same time, the number of persons aged 80 and above is projected to more than triple. While developed countries today have the highest share of older persons, developing countries are often witnessing a rapid rate of population ageing, leaving many ill prepared for the new realities. Longevity is one of the primary drivers of this demographic change, which is attributable to advances in medical science, better and effective healthcare systems, good nutrition, and higher standards of living. Most nations also predict more increases in life expectancy in the coming decades. While a winning argument for human development, it also presents that the ageing population is going to increase more and; therefore, to be able to handle this issue, several areas in society need to adjust.
A low fertility rate is the major cause of population ageing. Many developed countries have birth rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. Other factors include increased availability of contraception, increased education in women, and changing norms concerning family size that could determine such a low fertility rate. The younger population percentage is expected to decline, while the older percentage is expected to rise due to these trends, affecting age in the workforce, economic growth, and social systems. By 2050, one in seven people alive will be aged 65 or older; in 2019, only one in eleven. Japan, Italy, and Germany already have more than 20% of their population aged 65 and above. These trends are also emerging in developing countries. Ageing also has economic implications, particularly on labour and productivity. This means that when the population gets older, the working age is relatively diluted, thus slowing growth and productivity. Japan already suffers from labour shortages due to the number of ageing people in the country. Some countries overcome this issue by persuading the elderly to stay in the workplace by longer flexible hours, job retraining, and even incentives for employers. This demographic change also exerts additional pressure on the pension schemes; the more retirees, the fewer contributors to the pension systems. While increasing retirement ages and adjusting levels of pensions, countries like Germany continue to encourage private savings for long-term sustainability.
Rethinking Ageing
There is no typical older person. Some 80-year-olds have physical and mental capacities similar to many 30-year-olds. Other people experience significant declines in capacities at much younger ages. A comprehensive public health response must address this wide range of older people’s experiences and needs. The diversity seen in older age is not random. A large part arises from people’s physical and social environments and the impact of these environments on their opportunities and health behaviour. The relationship we have with our environments is skewed by personal characteristics such as the family we were born into, our sex and our ethnicity, leading to inequalities in health.
Older people are often assumed to be frail or dependent and a burden to society. Public health professionals, and society as a whole, need to address these and other ageist attitudes, which can lead to discrimination, affect the way policies are developed and the opportunities older people have to experience healthy aging. Older age contributes greatly to healthcare costs because of increased utilization of services and prevalent chronic diseases that include diabetes and heart conditions, which in turn affect the provision of services, pushing healthcare systems to accelerate the delivery of their services to cater for more clients. Innovative technologies such as telemedicine and home-based care can be relied upon to facilitate effective management of such demands and make the lives of the elderly more comfortable. Socially, an ageing population impacts the intergenerational relationship of children with their families, having fewer children and more elders straining family support mechanisms. Thus, with family size declining and migration to cities on the increase, mainstream care services and support networks for older people are high on the demand list.
The urbanization and lifestyle impact urges older people to age in their locations and societies. Cities need to be age-friendly through their development of accessible systems of public transport, safe housing, and communities for aged people. Other countries rely on age-friendly infrastructure, such as the robots Japan has to take care of its old people. Policy responses to an ageing population differ with pension reforms and healthcare innovation or labour market conditions. In contrast, countries like South Korea, indeed, seem to be more favourable towards childcare by showing better birth rates and encouraging families through subsidies on childcare, paid parental leaves and other benefits to their children. This is especially needed in issues of a greying population. The future of the ageing population will entirely rely on the advancement of technology, as well as global cooperation from all corners of the world. This is because the better the quality of technology to be used, the more health, robotics, and AI will come hand in hand with that as the major areas of enhancing the quality of life of older adults. More people will reach telemedicine as hospital visits reduced and get access to healthcare everywhere. Global cooperation will also play a fundamental role because countries will share best practices and research in coming up with effective strategies.
Way Forward
International organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization play an important role in assisting cooperation while advising on policy responses to these changes in population. Strengthening and adapting pension systems to remain sustainable amidst a shrinking workforce. Consider flexible retirement ages and incentivize delayed retirement. Investing in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in geriatric care, to manage age-related diseases. Prioritize preventive healthcare and promote healthy ageing. Encouraging policies that keep older adults physically, mentally, and socially engaged. This includes access to lifelong learning, part-time work opportunities, and community involvement. Providing financial, emotional, and professional support for families and individuals who care for the elderly. This can include subsidies, training programs, and respite services. Leveraging technology such as telemedicine, wearable health devices, and robotics to enhance elderly care and independence, while reducing the burden on traditional healthcare services. Creating inclusive urban planning with accessible transportation, housing, and community spaces that accommodate the needs of older adults. Promoting interaction between younger and older generations through mentorship programs, co-living arrangements, and shared community activities to foster mutual learning and reduce age-related isolation. Supporting older individuals in remaining part of the workforce by providing training in digital skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating age-diverse workplaces. These population changes require progressive policies, technological advancement, and international cooperation toward dignified and supportive ageing.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
